The National Football Stadium in Bratislava, home of Slovan Tehelné pole, has been at the center of legal disputes between the state and the investor for over four years. Plans for a new 22,500-seat stadium date back to 2006.

Government wants its money back

Tehelné pole was meant to symbolize modern football in Slovakia, but even its official opening in 2019 did not resolve issues. The COVID-19 pandemic, government changes, and early operational difficulties have kept the topic contentious. Pavel Komorník, chairman of the supervisory board of NFŠ – the arena’s investor – stresses that financial and legal matters surrounding the stadium have remained unresolved for years.

The dispute mainly concerns contracts and grants related to the stadium’s construction. In 2020, then-Prime Minister Igor Matovič and Deputy Prime Minister Štefan Holý declared the agreements invalid and demanded repayment of subsidies. NFŠ, represented by lawyer Peter Kubina, pursued legal action. Komorník notes that the government’s actions were political in nature, while the investment itself complied with prior state declarations and EU regulations.

Claims include the state returning €27.2 million in grants and determining the stadium’s buyout price. NFŠ argues the state could have repaid the investor far less, and the lack of agreement has caused penalties and interest to accumulate, now exceeding €100 million.

© ŠK Slovan Bratislava / Grafobal Group

Technical and financial challenges

The stadium’s construction faced technical and financial challenges. UEFA requirements increased costs from €75.2 million to €98 million. The venue features one of Europe’s most advanced lighting systems, extensive media facilities, and numerous fan amenities. Independent audits confirm that the actual construction cost was around €20 million lower than initial estimates.

© ŠK Slovan Bratislava / Grafobal Group

Stadium functions despite disputes

Despite legal and political conflicts, the stadium operates actively as a sports and cultural venue. Since opening, it has hosted football matches, concerts, outdoor ice hockey, equestrian competitions, and the popular Lovestream festival. Komorník emphasizes that the stadium’s infrastructure offers huge potential, much of which remains underutilized.

Thanks to its capacity and facilities, the National Stadium in Bratislava also attracts tourists and international event participants, supporting the local economy and promoting the country. Meanwhile, NFŠ continues negotiations and legal proceedings with the state to find a final financial solution and close a stadium saga that has lasted nearly two decades.